September 2021 #YourMOLaw month in review

Welcome to autumn and all the #YourMOLaw news from The Missouri Bar through September!  

The Missouri Bar observed two events last month. The first was our celebration of Constitution Day on Sept. 17. On that day in 1787, delegates from the Constitutional Convention adopted our Constitution, setting in motion the system of government that has and continues to guide our democratic republic for 234 years.  

Dr. Tony Simones, director of Citizenship Education for The Missouri Bar, in conjunction with the Kansas City Public Library presented a virtual program discussing the fundamental rights guaranteed in the First Amendment. 

The bar also worked throughout September to educate the legal community about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. After cancer and heart disease, suicide is the third most common cause of death among lawyers.  

On Sept. 26, 2021, Missouri lawyers and law students, along with family and friends, participated in an Out of the Darkness walk in St. Louis. Out of the Darkness Community Walks were developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to raise awareness and funds while sending the message that suicide is preventable and that no one is alone.  

As part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, members of The Missouri Bar’s Lawyers Living Well Special Committee organized a team to take part in the walk, with St. Louis lawyer Tara Ohler serving as team captain. In total, the special committee collected $4,946 for the cause.  

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, there is help. In an immediate emergency, call 911. 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.  

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.  

As always, The Missouri Bar is here to help and we hope you will check back in October for news you can use!